Old Testament Notes

Saul

Saul was the first king of Israel, his story is told in The Book of
Judges. Saul did much for uniting its people, founding the state and organizing
a successful struggle against the Philistines. His life, rise to power,
reign and fall are described in The First Book of Samuel. Though reluctant
at first to be the king, Saul, after gaining power, changed into an ambitious
and jealous ruler. Thus he was very jealous of the military success of
his own son, Jonathan. At first he admired
and praised young David as a great hero, even
married him to his daughter Michal, but then saw a rival in him and out
of jealousy tried to kill him.
Saul had made the Philistines suffer serious losses, but they eventually
prepared for revenge. Saul and his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malchishma,
were surrounded on the Mount Gilboa. His sons fell in battle. Saul was
badly wounded. In order to avoid capture he fell on his own sword and died.
See: Jean Fouquet.Report
of Saul's Death to David.Rembrandt.David
Playing the Harp before Saul, David
Presenting the Head of Goliath to King Saul.Paolo Veronese. The Conversion
of Saul.